Kenyan Police Fire Tear Gas at Nane Nane March Protesters as New Cabinet Sworn In
Kenyan police have fired tear gas to disperse small groups of anti-government protesters in the capital, Nairobi, demanding better governance as a new cabinet was sworn in. Businesses in the city were closed and public transport paralyzed as police mounted roadblocks on major roads to bar protesters from accessing the central business district. The demonstrations are a continuation of months-long anti-tax protests that have since morphed into calls for President William Ruto to resign.
The youth-led protests have already forced the president to withdraw planned additional taxes and dissolve his cabinet. Mr. Ruto has appointed senior opposition officials to his cabinet, in a move to quell growing public anger against his government. He gave four posts to the opposition – including the powerful finance and energy ministries.
The new cabinet was sworn in early on Thursday amid a heavy security deployment at the president’s official residence, State House, which protesters had threatened to storm. During the ceremony, Mr. Ruto said the new cabinet “cannot and must not fail Kenyans”. He described his new team as an “alliance of rivals” in a nation that had long suffered “factional and sectarian competition”.
“More than ever, it is clear that we are fully united by a shared devotion to secure a prosperous Kenya that serves us all,” Mr. Ruto added. About half of the ministers were in his previous cabinet, a move that has further angered protesters, who are demanding a complete break with the past. They had rejected the new cabinet, saying it merely perpetuates deal-making among Kenya’s political elite.
Riot police patrolled Nairobi’s streets from early on Thursday but only a few dozen demonstrators turned out compared to previous protests such as the one when parliament was set ablaze. Several people have been arrested as police dispersed small groups of youth who tried to congregate for the protest – dubbed “Nane Nane March” – meaning “8 August March” in Swahili. Nairobi’s streets appeared largely quiet, with a few people going about their normal business.
Major towns and cities, including the lakeside city of Kisumu – an opposition stronghold – and Eldoret – Mr. Ruto’s hometown – that previously witnessed protests were calm. On Wednesday, acting police chief Gilbert Masengeli had warned that “criminals” intended to infiltrate the demonstrations and urged people to avoid “protected areas” such as the main international airport and State House. More than 50 people have died since the demonstrations started in June, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Former police chief Japhet Koome, who had been accused of employing brutal tactics in dealing with the demonstrators, resigned last month. This did not appease protesters seeking justice for those who had died – and they have vowed to continue demonstrating until the president steps down. Mr. Ruto rose to the presidency promising on the campaign trail to improve the lives of Kenya’s poor – especially young people known as “hustlers” – after defeating his main rival Raila Odinga by a narrow margin in the 2022 election. But he is now caught between the demands of the “hustlers”, who are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis, and international lenders demanding his government meets payments for its massive national debt.
Impact of Tear Gas on Protesters
The use of tear gas by Kenyan police to disperse protesters has raised concerns about the impact on the health and safety of the demonstrators. Tear gas is a chemical agent that causes irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as burning sensation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Protesters who are exposed to tear gas may experience short-term health effects such as blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, tear gas exposure can also lead to more severe reactions, including respiratory distress and even death. The long-term health effects of repeated tear gas exposure are still being studied, but there is evidence to suggest that it may contribute to chronic respiratory problems and other health issues.
The use of tear gas as a crowd control measure has been criticized by human rights organizations for its indiscriminate and excessive use by security forces. In some cases, tear gas has been deployed in confined spaces or at close range, increasing the risk of injury or death to protesters. There have been reports of tear gas canisters being fired directly at individuals, causing serious injuries and deaths.
Political Implications of the Protests
The ongoing protests in Kenya have significant political implications for President William Ruto and his government. The demonstrations, which started as anti-tax protests, have evolved into a broader movement calling for better governance and accountability from the government. The appointment of opposition officials to the new cabinet is seen as a strategic move by President Ruto to appease the protesters and address their demands.
However, the inclusion of opposition figures in the cabinet has also sparked controversy and division within the political landscape of Kenya. Some see it as a positive step towards national unity and reconciliation, while others view it as a compromise that undermines the principles of democracy and transparency.
The protesters, mainly led by the youth, are demanding more than just changes in the cabinet. They are calling for systemic reforms and a complete overhaul of the political system to address the root causes of corruption, inequality, and economic hardship in the country. The government’s response to the protests, including the use of tear gas and other forms of repression, has only fueled further anger and resistance among the demonstrators.
International Response to the Protests
The protests in Kenya have garnered international attention and concern, with several countries and organizations expressing solidarity with the demonstrators and condemning the government’s crackdown on peaceful protests. The United Nations, European Union, and various human rights groups have called for restraint and respect for the rights of protesters to peacefully assemble and express their grievances.
The use of tear gas and other forms of violence against protesters has been condemned as a violation of human rights and democratic principles. International observers have urged the Kenyan government to engage in dialogue with the protesters and address their legitimate concerns through peaceful and inclusive means.
The international community has also raised concerns about the political stability and security of Kenya in the wake of the protests. The escalation of tensions and violence between the government and protesters could have far-reaching implications for the country’s future, including its economic development, social cohesion, and democratic governance.
In conclusion, the ongoing protests in Kenya reflect deep-seated grievances and frustrations among the population over issues of governance, corruption, and economic inequality. The use of tear gas and other forms of repression by the government to suppress dissent is a troubling indication of the lack of respect for human rights and democratic values. It is essential for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find peaceful solutions to address the root causes of the protests and build a more inclusive and accountable political system in Kenya.